John Lloyd - Sowing and Reaping

Life by The Spirit:  A Study of the Book of Galatians

Sowing and Reaping: Galatians 6:6-18

Pastor John Lloyd

February 17, 2019

The law of “big returns” is shared in the final verses of Galatians.  The principle of sowing and reaping can work positively to bring forth much fruit, or negatively to bring destructive results.  Every relationship we have requires our careful attention.  We need to be wise sowers and trust the Lord to bring His harvest even when the seed lies dormant.

Galatians 6:6-10. Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches. 7 Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. 8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.  Memory Verse: 9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. 10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.

Galatians 6:14 But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15 For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation.

Big Idea:    Our part is to sow, God brings the harvest in His time.          

God is faithful all the time.  All the time God is faithful!

I.               Sow ________________ with your spiritual leaders and teachers.

Galatians 6:6 Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches.

The person referred to has received oral instruction in the Word of God. The word share means “to share, to be a partner in a thing with a person,” here “to hold fellowship with another person.” That in which the person holds fellowship with another is designated by the context. The one who is taught should hold fellowship with his teachers in all good things. Wuest

Hebrews 13:16 Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.

Reflective question:  What would the state of the work of God be if every believer adopted your sharing patterns? 

II.             Reaping is always connected to ____________.

Galatians 6:7 Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. (Proverbs 1:30)

The truth that what a person sows he will also reap is an axiom, it need no proof, no “because.” This clause “For” namely that we must not be deceived as to any possibility of God’s being mocked.”  Lenski

A.   The ________ and the _________ are always providing seed to sow.

Galatians 6:8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. (See questions 3 & 4)

For one sows in order to get more of the same product.  This will indeed happen. The flesh and the Spirit will pay us back for sowing to them. Moo

Hosea 8:7 For they sow the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind.

B.   I am _____________________ for the seeds I sow.

Ephesians 6:8 knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a bondservant or is free.

Lord, help me to sow your spiritual seeds in my life.

III.            God’s calling is for you to sow __________________ seeds.

Galatians 6:9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.

Sowing for the spirit is hard work, long continued work, and although the harvest is eternal blessedness,, we may, while we are waiting for it, grow discouraged.  Lenski. 2 Thessalonians 3:13 Never tire of doing good

A.   Sow the message of the ___________ and new _________ in Christ.

Galatians 6:14But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. (Co-crucifixion)  (Galatians 2:20)

15 For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. (Co-resurrection) (See questions 8 &9)

B.   Sow His __________________ into all your relationships.

Galatians 6:10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.

Galatians 6:6 Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches.

D o trust the Lord for every person in your life.

O nly one life is soon past, only what’s done for Christ will last.

G ive generously to God’s work and people.

O ften prayer is the best seed that can be sown.

O penly share your life and testimony with others

D on’t give up, you will reap if you faint not.

C.  The ________________ is truly coming and will be beautiful.

Galatians 6:9And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. (Matt. 9:37-38, Jn.4:35)

2 Corinthians 9:6The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.    (I Corinthians 3:8)  (See question 5). Psalm 126:5

Galatians 6:16And as for all who walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.  18The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, (Question 10)

Join us in sowing God’s precious seeds in the Bay Area.  Our job is to sow, God will bring the harvest.

God is faithful all the time, all the time God is faithful!

Spiritual Growth Questions for February 17, 2019

Opener:  Share a time when you were blessed by reaping where spiritual seed had been sown. 

1.    Read Galatians 6:6-18.  Describe in your own words what is happening here.  What verse stands out to you as you read this passage?  Why?

2.   Read Galatians 6:6, I Timothy 5:17-18.  How does this verse apply to those in Christian ministry and those who benefit from their ministry?  Why is sharing so critical to the future of the church and kingdom?

3.   Read Galatians 6:7-8, I Corinthians 15:33, 2 Corinthians 9:6. What are some examples of both bad and good sowing and reaping? 

4.   Can you think of times in your own life when sowing to please your sinful nature has forced you to reap “destruction?”  How are you reaping to please the Spirit in your specific set of God-given circumstances?

5.   Read Galatians 6:9, 2 Thessalonians 3:3, Hebrews 12:3. What are some ways we can get tired from doing good?  What things help you to keep going and sowing?  How does the example of Jesus help you?

6.   Read Galatians 6:10, Titus 3:8. Why should “the family of believers” deserve our special attention?

7.   Read Galatians 6:11-13.  How does Paul show the Galatians that real Christianity is a matter of inward change, not external observance? Discuss how without the “cross” good people are in as much trouble as “bad” people?   

8.   Read Galatians 6:14 &17.  Paul shares that the heart of religion is what you boast in.  What, at the bottom is the reason you think you are in a right relationship with God?  How does this verse thrill and challenge you? 

9.   Read Galatians 6:15-16.  Consider accomplishments you are tempted to boast about.  How can you turn those around and give credit to Christ?  Spend time specifically thanking God for His blessings.